The Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is reporting the first documented sighting (and only the second siting ever) of a Le Conte's sparrow inside the Smokies. It was spotted and photographed (photo on right) along the trail from the Sugarlands to Gatlinburg.

Roger Revelle, an Oceanographer and professor at Harvard University, was the key global warming mentor for Al Gore. Revelle came to doubt his original position on man-made global warming many years later, stating that the true impact of carbon dioxide was not at all certain. He actually apologized that his research sent so many people in the wrong direction on global warming.

Beginning this weekend, Great Smoky Mountains National Park launches its summer guided walks program. Each day, beginning tomorrow, June 20, and running through August 15, the park service will offer several programs and activities throughout the park, including several guided walks and hikes.

The top seven hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, includes hikes to Mt. LeConte, as well as Gregory Bald, which is about to experience peak bloom for the world famous flame azaleas at the summit.

The number of closings and warnings posted at campsites, shelters and trails in the Smokies has increased to 16. A research ecologist from the University of Tennessee has stated that visitors should expect to see more bears this year. To emphasize this point, a bear broke into a house this week - in Knoxville!

The number of Cabins & Chalets listings for your vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains continues to expand. You can now find a cabin or chalet of any size, with a variety of amenities, in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend & the NC Smokies. Plan your hiking & accomodations on the same website.

Bear spray is illegal in national parks, however, individual parks can override this law using an instrument called a 'Superintendent's Compendium.' This explains why bear spray is allowed in national parks out west, but remains illegal in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With over 800 miles of trails in the Smoky Mountains, how do know where to hike when visiting this National Park? The following article is a compilation of what I consider to be the absolute best hikes in the Smokies.

Press Release announcing launch of Cottage, Cabins & Chalet rental listings on website for the Great Smoky Mountains area, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend & the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

Hiking season has arrived in the Smokies again and with it, the famous LeConte Lodge that sits atop the summit has reopened. Check out this classic hike to the summit of Mt. LeConte, which includes the rich history of the trail, pictures and a travelogue video of the hike.